Preseason Game Thread #6: Calgary Flames vs Colorado Avalanche

When the Calgary Flames last faced the Colorado Avalanche in preseason not even a week ago, they won 1-0 off the backs of a Josh Jooris goal and a Joni Ortio shutout. That will not be replicated tonight, as Ortio is sitting this one out, and Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo take the lineup instead.

Jooris will still be there, though, and this is where it gets interesting. The top six – see below – looks pretty set, and guaranteed to make the team. Same with the top four defence, really.

The bottom six and bottom pairing, though? Markus Granlund and Garnet Hathaway do not require waivers to be sent down. Paul Byron and Drew Shore do, but are still fighting for spots. Deryk Engelland is going to have to play hard to retain his spot in the lineup, and Ryan Wilson still does not have a contract.

The top guys we know – and boy, big hopes and expectations for that Sam Bennett – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik line, since that perhaps really should be the Flames’ second line to start the season – but the bottom guys are the most interesting.

Here's the Flames' projected lineup:

Of interest on the other side: Curtis Glencross, released from his professional tryout with the Maple Leafs, is now on a PTO with the Avs. He’ll be wearing #50, if you wanted to keep an eye out for him.

The game is watchable tonight for regional viewers on the Flames site, here. Otherwise, tune in to the Fan 960.

by Ari Yanover